Adaptation activity
In FY 2010, a Ministry of the Environment study found that the “Cool Biz” initiative and use of parasols reduces heat stress (the amount of perspiration) by approximately 20%, comparable in effect to having streets lined with trees at 10-meter intervals.
Parasols have been distributed for public use by the Kumagaya City Council as part of the “Enmusubi Parasol Project” at the entrance of the Shodenzan Kangi-in Temple, a popular tourist attraction. 200 bangasa (traditional parasols made of bamboo and oilpaper) with a cherry blossom design, the city’s official flower, and 100 Kumagai-dyed parasols, a dying process that has been officially designated a traditional handicraft, are available at 22 different locations, including Shodenzan Temple compound, shopping streets, public rest areas. The parasols can be used free of charge, and returned to any umbrella stands at stores participating in the scheme, allowing visitors to visit shopping streets around Shodenzan while keeping cool.
